$2.50
March 2025
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
Circle dancing group gathers
The first circle dance gathering took place at Gresford on Thursday February 27th. A group of keen novice dancers attended, some travelling from Newcastle and Bendolba to join with Vacy and Gresford locals. The class is by donation and held monthly in Gresford. The next planned circle will be Thursday March 27th, at 4.30pm.
Read the full story on page 9.
The Gresford News is a Gresford District Community Group project.– Donations appreciated and most welcome.
Sun 2 Mar
Wed 5 Mar
The Gresford News Community Diary
Vacy Historical Walk & Talk, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 10am–midday
Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
Fri 7 Mar Live music – Adam Wilton Band, Hotel Beatty on the deck, 7–11pm
Fri-Sat 7-8 Mar
Sat 8 Mar
Mon 10 Mar
Gresford Show, Gresford Showgrounds
Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Wed 12 Mar Local Business Breakfast, Vacy Cafe & General Store, 7.30-9am. All welcome. RSVP hello@twinrivers.au by Mon 10
Sat 15 Mar Opening of new exhibition, Gresford Community Gallery, 2–4pm
Sun 16 Mar Vacy Town Hall, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9am-1pm. All welcome.
Sun 16 Mar New book launch "Gresford to Carrabolla - People and Places" by Dr Brian Walsh, Gresford Bowling Club, 2pm
Fri 21 Mar CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
Sun 23 Mar Live music – Unit 20, Hotel Beatty, 2–6pm
Thurs 27 Mar Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in and check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
Fri 28 Mar
Gresford Community Group – Community Dinner, Hotel Beatty, 6pm. All welcome. RSVP Vanessa 0411 409 525
Sun 30 Mar Allynbrook Harvest Festival, St.Mary on Allyn Church Hall, following the 10.30am Service
Sun 30 Mar Sketch Club, Gresford Community Gallery, 1–4pm
Tues 15 Apr Gresford School of Arts Committee meeting (main hall), 7pm
Sat 19 Apr Gresford Billy Cart Derby
Every Wed Happy hour + Gift Voucher Raffles, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 4.30–6pm
Every Thurs Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 9.30am
Every Thur Happy hour, free pool & jukebox, Hotel Beatty, 5.30–7pm
Every Fri (school terms) Yoga with Donna Cavanough, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9.30–11am & live zoom online Tues, Wed, Fri, 7.30am
Every Fri Twilight Bowls, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 5.30pm
Most Fri afternoons
Friends of the Arboretum activities, times vary seasonally, contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
Every Fri Cricket Club Raffles, Hotel Beatty
Sat-Sun
Gresford Community Gallery open, 12 Park St, East Gresford, 10-4 or by appt phone Robyn 0417 686 816
Sat Mass, St Helen's Catholic Church, East Gresford, 5.30pm (except 2nd Sat of month)
Every Sun Anglican Church services, dates & locations vary–see ad, St Paul’s Paterson, 8.30am • St Anne’s Gresford, 10.30am
Every Sun The Gresford Congregational Church welcomes you, 10.30am
Every Sun Social Bowls +, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, from 4pm
1st Mon each month
Gresford District Community Group Meeting, 6.30pm, all welcome! (not Jan)
1st & 3rd Mon each month French conversation, CWA Hall, 10–11.30
1st Wed each month The Laughable Leigh Trivia Night, Gresford Bowls Sport & Recreation Club, 6.30pm
2nd Mon each month
Gresford District Landcare Group Meeting, 5pm (not Jan), contact Penny Kater for details 0488 371 589
2nd Thurs each month Pool Comp with prizes at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
2nd Sat each month
Gresford Community Market, Gresford Community Park, 9–1
2nd Sat each month CWA Book Club, CWA Hall, 3pm
2nd Sun each month Mass, Sacred Heart, Summer Hill, 11.30am
3rd Tues each month Paterson Allyn Garden Group meet, 10.00am (not Jan), contact Chris Walker for details 0401 566 180
3rd Thurs each month Trivia Night at the Hotel Beatty 6.30pm
3rd Fri each month CWA Craft Morning, CWA Hall, 9–12
3rd Sun each month Vacy & Surrounds Crop Swap, alongside Vacy General Store, 9.30am
3rd Sun each month Entertainment at the Hotel Beatty
4th Thurs each month Circle Dancing, 4.30pm – to book in and check location phone Pip on 0493 388 889
PUT YOUR EVENT IN THE COMMUNITY DIARY:
Contact Gresford News: email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au • Brian Doherty 0412 372 687 • Jane Richens 0425 339 856
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations to keep the community informed about activities in the area. Your contributions are always welcome! Deadline for stories & ads 20th of the month. For text – Word format preferred. For pictures – .jpg format preferred (not in word).
Invitation to the Community to Commemorate ANZAC Day
The Gresford RSL Sub Branch will conduct a Dawn Service at Paterson and a Commemoration Service at Gresford. We invite all residents to participate in the March and Service, providing an opportunity to remember their family members and friends who have served their country in all theatres of operation and paying homage to those who did not return.
The Paterson Rotary Club will assist in preparation and assistance with lighting and audio at the Paterson Cenotaph as they have done for many years for the Dawn Service.
The 234th Army Cadet Unit will provide a Catafalque Party for the Paterson Dawn Service and Royal Australian Air Force Williamtown will provide a Catafalque Party at the Gresford Commemoration. The schools of Paterson, Gresford, Vacy and Martins creek will be supporting the local services.
ANZAC Day Commemoration Services, Marches have always been very well supported by the Community Groups, local schools, Rural Fire Brigades and the local Police.
PATERSON DAWN SERVICE
March Start Location: Stockers & Partridge Garage, Paterson • Relatives of departed Veterans
are encouraged to march wearing the Veterans medals on the right breast.
Form Parade: 05:25am Stockers & Partridge Garage, Paterson • Parade Step off: 05:30am proceeding to Paterson Cenotaph for the Dawn Service. • Paterson Cenotaph: 05:30am await the arrival of the Parade then Dawn Service. • Following Service: Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Paterson Tavern for a traditional mince on toast breakfast (Gold Coin donation) and refreshments.
GRESFORD ANZAC DAY MARCH
March Start Location: Gresford Garage & Rural; Durham Road. • Relatives of departed Veterans are encouraged to march wearing the Veterans medals on the right breast.
Form Parade: 10:25am Gresford Garage & Rural • Parade Step off: 10:30am proceeding down Durham Road and Park Street to the Gresford Cenotaph for the Commemoration Service. • Gresford Cenotaph: 10:30am await the arrival of the Parade then Commemoration Service. • Following Service: Veterans and all attendees are invited to the Gresford Bowling Club for the traditional ANZAC DAY activities. Lunch is available to purchase.
For Further Information/Assistance contact Sub Branch Secretary, Glenn Wall on 0428 389 462.
A special tribute
In memory of Helen Richardson from the Hotel Beatty, Emily Lawler is participating in the 12km "Hill to Harbour" run this April with the hope to raise $1,200 for Parkinson's research through the Shake it Up Foundation.
Shake It Up Australia is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to find better treatments and ultimately a cure for Parkinson's Disease.
Gresford News Notices
Help us fill the display cases at the Gresford Show with entries – produce, flowers, art, craft, cooking. We're putting out the word for entries for all sections. Let's make sure our little Agriculture show continues to thrive. www.gresfordshow.com.au/
Gresford Show Fri 7 & Sat 8 March
Gresford Community Market Sat 8 March, 9am–1pm Gresford Community Park
Local Business Breakfast
Wed 12 Mar, Vacy Cafe & General Store, 7.30-9am. All welcome. RSVP hello@twinrivers.au
Opening of new exhibition Sat 15 March, 2–4pm Gresford Community Gallery
Vacy Town Hall Sun 16 Mar, Vacy School of Arts Hall, 9am-1pm. All welcome.
THE GRESFORD NEWS
Gresford News: News of the communities of the Paterson & Allyn River Valleys, has been published by the Gresford & District Community Group since 2002. As a not-for-profit community association any profits go towards supporting community projects.
IT'S YOUR NEWS
The Gresford News has always been created by the community for the community. The content is provided by individuals and community organisations – Your contributions are always welcome!
New book launch, 2pm Sun 16 Mar, Gresford Bowling Club "Gresford to Carrabolla - People and Places" by Dr Brian Walsh,
2 Free Workshops for Creatives across our region Fri 14 March, 10-3, Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre Creative Plus Business + Arts Upper Hunter • 10am ‘The Freelance Five’ for freelancers, soletraders, artists-for-hire. • 1pm ‘Creative’s Guide to Social Media' develop this key marketing tool. Book: www.artsupperhunter.com
Circle Dancing
Thurs 27 Mar, 4.30pm, Gresford check venue ph 0493 388 889
Gresford Community Dinner Fri 28 Mar, Hotel Beatty, 6pm RSVP Vanessa 0411 409 525
Allynbrook Harvest Festival Sun 30 Mar, St.Mary on Allyn Church Hall, following 10.30am Service
Sketch Club Sun 30 March, 1–4pm Gresford Community Gallery
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Brett Whiteley. Hosted by artist Christine Pike.
Newcastle Fringe event Sat 22 & Sun 23 March, 4.30pm, Grand Hotel Underground Locals Donna Cavanough & John O'Brien of 'The De Factos' have a gig to perform their eclectic original music –'Love Songs & Other Cautionary Tales'. Bookings: https://newcastlefringe.com. au/events/love-songs-and-othercautionary-tales/
Special event – Talk by Tony Cavanaugh 12 April, 2pm, Gresford CWA Hall
Scriptwriter, novelist, editor, mentor and man of many talents in the TV, film and writing world, Tony Cavanaugh will be speaking about his writing experiences. He has won many accolades for his work and has helped numerous other writers in both kickstarting and editing their work.
IS YOUR NEWS BEING DELIVERED?
We are relaunching the COMMUNITY DIARY that was stopped during COVID.
To be included send TITLE, LOCATION, TIME & DATE of your upcoming meeting / event by the 20th of January 2025 to: GresfordNews@iinet.net.au
AVAILABLE FREE ONLINE
All editions of the Gresford News since Dec 2011 are available to read FREE at issuu.com/gresford-news
NEW 'BUSINESS CARD' AD
The Gresford News is introducing a new 'Business Card' ad to provide an opportunity for smaller businesses to advertise in the News. The new ad size is approximately the size of a business card, 42mm high by 89mm wide. It will be a full colour ad and cost $28 for a repeat ad or $34 for a single issue. To book your ad email gresfordnews@iinet.net.au
Gresford News is delivered to letterboxes on the main road north of Paterson and roadside in the Vacy and Gresford postal districts to the top of the Paterson and Allyn Rivers. PLEASE let us now if you do not recieve your NEWS – we will see if there is a problem we can fix.
OTHER OUTLETS
Pick up a copy of the NEWS at:
• East Gresford Foodworks
• Gresford Garage and Rural
• Gresford Store / Crossroads Cafe
• Vacy General Store Cafe & Gifts
Gresford District Landcare Group
Landcare had its first meeting of the year at a property at Allynbrook focussing on regrowth management, and presented by Annabel Kater. The meeting began with light showers which quickly cleared to a beautiful summer evening. We had a short walk past a fruiting fig tree, the briefly deciduous Ficus superba, and some fruit was collected for propagation. We then moved to an area of thick young eucalypt regrowth and Annabel described how and why this occurred, and the tenacity of eucalypts in the right conditions.
Annabel explained that left unthinned, the trees would compete for resources and possibly cause erosion. She discussed measuring the stand, and how and when to thin, taking into account the desired outcomes.
enjoying the shadows cast over the beautiful landscape.
We moved back to the meeting point and enjoyed a casual meal in the fading light,
Once again President Julia Wokes has
planned a most interesting program for the year. If you are interested in joining the group, message Penny Kater on 0488 371 589.
THE RURAL SPECIALISTS
TYPES OF COUNTRY PROPERTIES
Annabel Kater discusses eucalypt regrowth occurrences.
PO Box 36 Branxton NSW 2335
Office: 0427 383 388
Email: Admin@HunterSL com au HUNTERSL COM AU
Kickstart the New Year with Hunter Stock & Land!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for our weekly HRLX
Prime Sale at Singleton, held every Wednesday starting at 8:30 am, beginning with our first sale on Wednesday, January 8th
At Hunter Stock & Land, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients with comprehensive services that cover all your property and livestock needs Our team is here to assist with:
Property Sales – Specializing in rural properties to help you buy or sell with confidence
Weekly Prime Sales at HRLX Singleton – Join us every Wednesday for a reliable market platform
Direct Sales – Simplifying transactions for efficient and direct buyer-seller connections
Clearing Sales – Helping you manage, organize, and conduct successful clearings
Livestock Management – Expert support tailored to optimize your livestock operations
We’re committed to providing hands-on support, industry insights, and a trusted team ready to meet your needs Here’s to a successful 2025 season!
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Update
The program is well underway for 66 Dungog Shire Youngsters. There are now 66 babies enrolled in the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library from across the Shire representing 19 postal locations. We have some good support from the Gresford valleys – Paterson Rotary, Paterson CWA and many individual sponsors from the area. Locally there are 12 enrolments from the Paterson, Gresford, East Gresford and Bingleburra areas.
The Baby Health Nurses from Hunter New England Health are distributing enrolment forms when they see new mums and their babies. Most families are more than keen to be involved as their child will receive, by post, an age appropriate new book each month until they turn 5 years of age. Included with the book comes a “Tip Sheet” which provides guidance to the family on the effective use of that specific book. There is no cost to families.
Dungog Early Literacy, the organisation who rolls out this program, supports families by raising money to ensure that ongoing funds are available. They have support from a range of community organisations across the Dungog Shire and many individuals who have become sponsors. To support one child in the program costs $108 per year.
Dungog Early Literacy also has a FB page providing information and hints about how to enhance time spent reading with your young child.
Call Anne Higgins on 0403 029 181 if you would like to become a sponsor or want more information. dungogearlyliteracy@gmail.com
Circle dancing group gathers in Gresford
A delighted group of keen dancers attended our first circle dance gathering at Gresford on Thursday February 27th. All novice dancers they travelled from Newcastle, Bendolba, Vacy with some perspicacious Gresford locals.
Emotive dances ranging from the haunting music of Timor Leste, where the well known song Mai Fali E has mothers summon their children at sunset and beckon home those who have left East Timor, to the Native American chant Ly-OLay-Ale-Loya conveying the stories, legends and plight of the Native Americans. This latter piece of music combines sampled chants of the Navajo, Pueblo and Sioux tribes and Sami people yoik, with synthesizer backings, accompanied by a combination of traditional drumming and electronic dance-beats. Dancing this crenellation pattern dance was a very spiritual and uplifting experience made more powerful by the togetherness and energy of the dancers in our circle.
Laughter and delight were evoked by the Romanian children's nutcracker stamping dance, where the challenge to our brains proved too much at times. In circle dancing there are no wrong steps only variations and we mirthfully enjoyed a few of those.
Our youngest dancer Freyja told the group "I love this dancing and it's very good for me". Our older dancers agreed that learning each dance prior to dancing it together with the music, was a good work out for their brains. Dancers were extremely keen to return, our next planned circle will be Thursday March 27th, at 4.30pm. At this stage we meet on the fourth Thursday of each month.
The class is by donation and held monthly in Gresford. There is growing interest and so we have a larger venue planned for next session. To check on the venue or to book in, phone Pip on 0493 388 889. Blessings in the dance.
CWA NEWS
Craft Mornings – these will resume on the 28th February, and then will continue on the third Friday of each month, so the March meeting will be on 21st March. The April meeting will not take place because of Good Friday. Everyone is welcome to join us to work on their favoured craft, and have a chat and some morning tea. 9-12 at the CWA Hall. $5 for non-members and $3 for members.
Community Markets – this month we decided to make bagged scones of different types, which the customers seemed to appreciate. There were some
lush cakes, the ever-popular Anzac biscuits and a variety of other goodies. We also had market bags and covered coathangers for sale. As the weather cools, there will be more in the line of knitted and crocheted items.
Gresford Show – the CWA will once again be catering in the dining room at the Gresford Show. The dining area is airconditioned, which makes for a comfortable and relaxing experience during the hurly-burly of the Show. There will be bacon and egg rolls for the early starters between 7-10; and for lunch - cottage pies,
quiches and frittatas, and a selection of sandwiches and cakes with tea, coffee, soft drinks and fruit cordial.
Billy Cart Derby – we will be present with a combination of bric-abrac, books, and cakes and biscuits. This is always a big event for Gresford. We hope to see you there! Book Club – the March meeting will not take place because of the Show, but on the 12th April the book club will host a talk by Tony Cavanaugh, a highly experienced writer in a range of genres. All are welcome to arrive at 1:45 for a 2pm start.
February’s book, Anna Funder’s All That I Am, gave rise to a stimulating discussion. Set in Germany and England during Hitler’s rise, it showed some disturbing parallels with our current time. All are welcome to attend on the second Saturday of the month at 3pm, but please ring Glenda Smith (numbers below) in case there are unexpected variations.
French Conversation – will continue in 2025 on the first and third Mondays of the month, from 10am to 11:30. Please ring Glenda Smith (4938 9456 or 0400 108 079) if you are interested in joining us this year.
Special event – Talk by Tony Cavanaugh – Scriptwriter, novelist, editor, mentor and man of many talents in the TV, film and writing world, Tony Cavanaugh will be speaking about his writing experiences at the Gresford CWA Hall on the 12th of April at 2pm.
The Gresford community is very privileged that Tony is interested in talking to us about his career as a novelist, scriptwriter, script editor, lecturer, panellist, and many other roles. He has won many accolades for his work and has helped numerous other writers in both kickstarting and editing their work. We are in good company as can be seen from his website: Tony has spoken at the Quais du Polar in Lyon and in Paris and Pau, at the Sydney Writer’s Festival, Brisbane Writer’s Festival, Byron Bay Writer’s Festival, crimeFest in Perth, Reality Bites on the Sunshine Coast and at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Please join us for this occasion –everyone is welcome!
What's
On the Shelves? by
Glenda Smith Hamnet Maggie O'Farrell
This much-rewarded book creates a fictional view of Shakespeare’s family life, even though he himself is not named. From the courtship of the poor tutor and the daughter of a well-off family, through to the death of Hamnet, their only son, O’Farrell creates a rich and fanciful domesticity. A rollicking (for the fruit) sex scene in an apple store shows the degree of poetic licence the writer takes.
Agnes (generally known as Anne) Hathaway is the central figure in this novel, and Shakespeare a shadowy presence. Agnes is a mystic, healer and suspected witch who holds unconventional views and gives birth in the woods. As with many other aspects of Shakespeare’s life, the cause of Hamnet’s death is not documented, but in this case is said to be the bubonic plague. O’Farrell lets her fancy take flight here too, as she traces the provenance of the offending flea. She also has Hamnet choose to die to spare his sister – another aspect of the quasi-mysticism that marks this novel.
Many readers will enjoy the elaborately told story of a little-known woman and her children, while others may simply enjoy the recreation of the time. Still others may find it a bit much.
All books reviewed are from the CWA library on a separate shelf so they are easy to find plus the reviews are in a folder.
DO YOU WORK FROM HOME AND WANTING TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR INCOME OR PAY FOR THOSE HOLIDAYS YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO?
GAIN SOME EXTRA INCOME AND STILL HAVE 3 MONTHS OFF A YEAR?
COME AND DRIVE A SCHOOL BUS SERVICE IN ONE OF THE NICEST ENVIRONMENTS IN THE COUNTRY, 20 – 25Hrs PER WEEK SCHOOL TERM ONLY (7.00 – 9.00am and 2.45 – 4.15pm).
LICENCE UPGRADES AND TRAINING ALSO AVAILABLE*****
Linq Buslines is looking for bus drivers to join our Gresford Team.
As a Linq Buslines member you will be operating our vehicles to transport passengers including school children on specified routes including school and charter services with the highest of safety and service.
Minimum MR licence, NSW Driver Authority and Working with Children Clearance (or the ability to obtain).
We are looking for people who have:
• Good communication skills
• Good driving history
• Good customer services and dealing with people
• Happy to work a flexible roster including broken shifts
For further information or to apply please contact us on 0249 389 394 or email info@linqbuslines.com.au
EARTHMOVING CONTRACTOR
Sellens-Wilson Trophy
Well its been a soft start to the year with rain interrupting Saturday bowls on a few occasions. However, the weather held fine for the annual Sellens-Wilson Trophy against Dungog. Going into the match leading on points, the Dungog side might have been a bit at sea with our slower green compared to their very fast one. The Shamrocks were able to reel in the deficit for a magnificent win and are proud holders of the trophy for another year. In the photo Leigh Collison and Mick Kealy are amused by a Collison joke while visitors Wayne Perrin and Steve Jones seem to be more focussed (or bemused?).
Then Dungog invited us for a pennant trial/ friendly game at Dungog which was enjoyed by all. It gave the Gresford team a chance to acclimatise to slick greens in prep for the upcoming pennant season. Best of luck and happy bowling to all teams.
Bowl away!
Peter Dreyer
13th April – Westpac Helicopter
, Bush Poet Murray Hartin (MUZ), Marco & Comedian Alan $10.00 A ticket all processed Going to the WESTPAC HELICOPTOR
Thursday 17th April - $500 Easter Egg raffle & $1500 Prawn & Oyster Raffel
Friday 18th April – Good Friday open 11.30, Social Bowls at 1pm, live music at 2pm Saturday 19th April – Open at 9.00am -Billy Cart Derby Friday 25th April – Anzac Day club open 10.30 Two up after lunch all welcomed.
Every Week at the Bowlo!! HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY 4.30 - 6.00 First Wednesday of the month
Gresford Market Update
Perfect weather dawned on the first Gresford Community Market of the new year on February 8 and that resulted in a very successful event with an exciting range of stallholders - and visitors from as far away as Denman.
“What a wonderful day we had, with clear weather and enough customers to have us all selling some of our precious goods,” Gresford Community Market team member Pip Woods said.
“I am in awe of the talent of the stallholders and thank them for being part of our markets and for the work they put in to making creative, innovative, delicious and delightful products.”
The next market on March 8 falls on the second day of Gresford Show and promises to be jampacked with local produce, handmade goods and artisan creations.
“We believe the markets will complement the Show and Gresford Art Gallery,” Pip said.
“Our little town is such a wonder of events and offerings.”
The market is held on the second Saturday of each month between 9am and 1pm at 12 Park St, East Gresford.
Potential stallholders can contact gresfordcommunitymarket@outlook.com for more information.
COMING UP IN MARCH
Friday 7 – Show Night Adam Wilton Band • 7 – 11 pm on the Deck
Sunday 23
Unit 20 return to the Beatty 2 – 6 pm
Wishing the Show Committee Good Luck with the 2025 Gresford Show
6 Days (closed Wed night) 6pm – 9pm
Cricketers who were in action at Gresford Sporting Complex took the opportunity to do a little market shopping.
CULTURE VULTURE
Greetings to Culture Vulture readers. The Gresford Community Gallery committee would like to invite you to join them in celebrating the new exhibitions for 2025 on SATURDAY 15th MARCH 2–4pm. All are welcomed to attend the event; refreshments will be served. Please drop by to view a captivating showcase of Hunter Valley artists. The exhibition includes a great variety of quality art and craft, featuring painting, drawing, sculptures, ceramics, photography, fibre art and jewellery.
March Featured Gallery Artist: Hunter Vallery artist Louise Rees – “I have always been creative and interested in any medium. From fabric to gardens, clay to paint, charcoal to collage, or interior design. Working in an art shop for many years I also gained a comprehensive knowledge of artists’ materials and techniques. There are few mediums I have not tried and I still have a passion for learning and creating.”
The Gallery has a Facebook page which will give regular news / updates of the Gallery’s forthcoming exhibitions, workshops and features on the artists. Please Like and follow our page.
SKETCH CLUB 2025
The gallery holds Sketch Club once a month, everyone enjoys the creative, friendly atmosphere. Please join us at the
Robyn Werkhoven
next event, all welcome – beginners and professionals.
Next Sketch Club date –SUNDAY 30th
MARCH 1–4pm
Still Life – inspiration from Australian artist Brett Whiteley. Hosted by artist Christine Pike. Please bring your own art supplies. Cost $10. Venue: Gresford Community Gallery 12 Park St East Gresford. Enquiries: gallerygresford community@gmail.com or phone: 0428 271 819 Christine Pike
Gresford Community Gallery hours: Sat and Sun 10am–4pm or by appointment phone Robyn Werkhoven 0417 686 816.
The gallery is in the Therese Doyle Hall, next to the beautiful Arboretum and visitors’ park, 12 Park Street, East Gresford.
Contact with art news or enquiries about Gresford Community Gallery: Robyn Werkhoven: werkhovenr@bigpond.com
STILL LIFE drawing by Louise Rees
Gresford Vacy Football Club
GVFC new season 2025
The new soccer season is fast approaching with Gresford Vacy Football Club opening registrations, the Summer Sixes social pre-season in full swing on Tuesdays at Vacy and excited youngsters from across the district sharpening their skills in the backyard.
On the back of a successful Season 2024, the club expects to cater for about 300 players from under-5s right through to over-35s in the new season.
Earlybird registration fees for junior players are again unchanged - Miniroos (ages 5-7) $100, Miniroos (ages 8-11) $120 and Interdistrict players (ages 12-18) $170. Active Kids Vouchers will also be accepted. Senior registration fees are $350 and include all game fees.
Players can sign up at www.playfootball. com.au
The season kicks off at the end of April but training will begin once registrations close and teams have been formed.
Players will again be wearing Scorps red and yellow thanks to the support of a range of dedicated club sponsors, including major sponsor Microprose, shorts sponsor Hunter
– Story and photos by
Julie Hartigan
Construction Group and goalie sponsor One Agency Sharon Hill.
As part of the pre-season activities, the club hosted more than 200 students from Gresford Public School, Paterson Public School and Vacy Public School for a schools gala day on February 14.
The fun day included some impressive sportsmanship from all student as well as a huge effort from volunteer referees, canteen helpers and event organisers.
To keep up to date with club activities and important information, follow Gresford Vacy FC on Facebook.
It’s time to sign up for a season of fun and friendship with Gresford Vacy Football Club.
Dungog Shire Council News
Meeting highlights from Dungog Shire Council’s ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 19 February 2025:
Cr Liam Ley put forward a notice of motion to assess private sector and community interest in establishing a holiday/caravan park within the Dungog Town. In addition, Council proactively seeks Expressions of Interest from established holiday park operators to ensure a competitive and wellinformed response.
Cr Ley noted the work already carried out under resolution 2023/193 and that further review and investigation works are no longer required, however be considered in terms of quotations and valuation options for 138 Abelard Street, which may assist in the assessment of potential sites for sale or lease.
He noted small businesses in Dungog are at a crossroads, and if nothing is done soon, more will continue to close, saying the region is at a critical moment, where targeted investment in tourism infrastructure can help support local
businesses, attract visitors, and create economic opportunities.
In closing, Cr Ley said ensuring the council takes an active role in seeking Expressions of Interest and learning from past efforts will help secure a viable, longterm solution that cements Dungog’s reputation as a premier nature-based destination, while driving sustainable economic growth.
Cr Ley’s motion was adopted, with the support of the majority of Councillors.
USE OF MOTOCROSS TRACK AT 47 HORTON CLOSE, GLEN MARTIN
A development application has been refused by Council which seeks development consent for a recreation facility (outdoor) comprising the use of motocross tracks at 47 Horton Close, Glen Martin. In accordance with the provisions of Council’s Assessment of Development Applications Policy (Adopted 16 August 2023), the application is reported to Council for determination due to 75 objections registered during two separate notification periods.
The DA seeks consent for the continued use of the earthworks that have been carried out (without consent), and for the
use of those earthworks as private motocross tracks. The development application also incorporates two tracks that are located on the western portion of the land. An existing smaller track located on the eastern portion of the land, near the dwelling, has not been included in the development application.
The development application attracted a number of public submissions opposing the development. As previously addressed within the report, the proposed development is considered to be inconsistent with the zone objectives, has failed to satisfy a number of clauses within the Dungog LEP 2014 and has failed to demonstrate that the impacts from the development will not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of adjoining land and the locality. As such, approval is not in the public interest.
Council determined the development is likely to adversely affect the amenity of the rural surroundings as a result of noise and visual impacts. Significant public objection has been received to the proposed development, and as such, approval of the application is not considered to be in the public interest.
Many thanks for the help with School backpacks. 175 were distributed from Telarah/Rutherford Anglican Church. Really great response.
Some diary dates: Wed 5 Mar, Ash Wednesday Service at St. Paul’s Paterson at 6.30pm • Sun 9 Mar, Parish AGM at 12.30 pm, to be held at St.Paul’s Paterson • Thurs 13 Mar, World Day of Prayer, service prepared by the ladies from the Cook Islands. Guest Speaker is Mr. Keith Osbourne. Everyone most welcome. This service will be held in St. Paul’s Paterson Church and lunch will be in the Church Hall • Sat 15 Mar, Men’s breakfast will be held at the Twin Rivers Cafe, Gresford commencing at 8am. All men very welcome, bring a friend • Sun 30 Mar, Allynbrook Harvest Festival will be held in the St.Mary on Allyn Church Hall following the 10.30am Service. Come along.
March Church times are as follows:
2, 9, 23 – 8.30am St. Paul’s Paterson & 10.30am at St. Anne’s Gresford.
On 30 Mar, 8.30am Paterson & 10.30am St. Mary on Allyn Allynbrook
The service at St. Paul’s on the 9 Mar will be our Family Friendly Service, come along and see what a good time we have. The service will be led by Paul O’Keefe our Lay Preacher. Stay safe & look after each other. Blessings
Gresford
Congregational Church
30 Durham Rd Gresford
Services Each Sunday 10.30am ALL WELCOME
Catholic Parish of Gresford
Mass at St. Helen's, East Gresford Saturday – 5:30 pm (except 2nd Sat. of month) Thursday – 9.30am Mass at Sacred Heart, Summer Hill Sunday – 11:30 am (2nd Sunday of month)
All enquiries to Fr. Andrew Doohan, Parish Priest, on 4992 1477 or dungog.parish@mn.catholic.org.au
Gresford News March Crossword
Crossword kindly provided by Russel Jessop.
March 2025 crossword answers
The NSW Government has programs to assist with cost of living expenses.
Book a free appointment with a Savings Finder specialist call 13 77 88 or visit your local Service Centre.
Check the Service NSW Savings Finder: www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder For the latest fuel prices go to Fuel Check: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
